ABSN or ELMSN Program? SO MANY QUESTIONS ):

[HiJuliane]

Hello! I feel so lost right now and I am hoping someone out there can give me clarity or answer any of my questions. I graduated UCR in June 2014 with a BS in neuroscience. I am ashamed to say I didn't do too well nor worked as hard as I should have; I graduated with a 3.056 overall and 2.744 in Neuroscience. I worked in a neuroimmunology research lab for 2 years, which made me decide I would not like to go in the research direction. I am currently working as a respite provider for children with disabilities and I love it, solidifying my decision to work with children. I would like to become a nurse practitioner and hopefully be able to eventually specialize in something neuroscience related.

My plan is to get into an ABSN program, that will hopefully allow me to obtain a MSN after completion of program. I am currently taking classes at a community college to complete prerequisites for entry into the schools I am interested in. I am doing pretty well in them all and expect to get A's in them all, this semester.

1. Now, I am unsure what program is better for my career path, ABSN? or ELMSN?
   
2. Will I be able to become a nurse practitioner with an ELMSN program?
   
3. With my GPA being so low, is there anything I can do to raise my chances in getting into a nursing program?
   
4. Of the prerequisites to take, I got a B- in chemistry and one program I was looking into wanted biochemistry course, which I got a B in as well, should I retake these courses?.
   
5. Are there any nursing careers that can tie neurology, pediatrics, and nursing together?
   
6. Should I look into medical school instead?
   
7. Any other advice?
   

If anyone could help answer any of my questions, that would be VERY much appreciated. Thank you for your time!

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

Now, I am unsure what program is better for my career path, ABSN? or ELMSN?

The difference here is the length of education and degree you receive at the end. BSN vs MSN and shorter vs longer.

Will I be able to become a nurse practitioner with an ELMSN program?

Not with an ELMSN alone. Entry-level MSN's are exactly what the name implies...you are a beginner nurse with a Master's who is eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN to get licensed. Nurse practitioner programs are specialized graduate degree tracks, though some are offered as a Direct Entry MS/MSN. Have you looked into some of those?

With my GPA being so low, is there anything I can do to raise my chances in getting into a nursing program?

I think you're already doing it by doing well on your prerequisites. Ask around and figure out how your stats compare to those who got admitted.

Of the prerequisites to take, I got a B- in chemistry and one program I was looking into wanted biochemistry course, which I got a B in as well, should I retake these courses?

See if the schools you're interested in allow this.

Are there any nursing careers that can tie neurology, pediatrics, and nursing together?

Sure, there are neurologic conditions seen in pediatrics and many neurosurgical procedures are done on kids. This is certainly a highly specialized field so to be able to work in a setting where these patients are seen, you have to work as an RN (or NP) in a children's hospital.

Should I look into medical school instead?

That's an option that you must decide for yourself. Think of the pros and cons and the amount of time commitment it will take.

Any other advice?

That's all I got.